Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ❀ The Good and The Beauty Team ⚔ @Viki.com

If it hadn't been for you, we'd have been together ages ago!

Chen Xuan Qing, are you crazy?

Yes, I'm crazy.

The moment I knew you were going to marry him, I went crazy.

Chen Yan Yun, you sit high up, with all that power.

But you're nothing but a hypocrite.

You said you felt sorry for me, so you brought me to the Chen family.

The truth is, you thought I had potential and could be useful to your family.

But you hate seeing me succeed. You're always manipulating me.

You knew Jin Zhao and I were in love.

But you purposely set up an engagement with the Yu family for me.

You said you were worried about my background and my future.

But I know you did all of this just to take Jin Zhao away from me.

Nonsense.

You're just making things up.

Really?

Am I making things up,

or are you just a puppet dancing to his tune?

Do you dare to say you never liked me?

You did everything you could to get close to me at the academy.

And even when Ye Xian hit you, you endured it.

I saw the letters you wrote to me.

I wrote, "My wandering heart has known a hundred woes.

Now alone I travel a thousand more miles."

You said you felt the same; nowhere to call home.

You told me not to be so downcast.

You understood me so well. Can you really say you never liked me?

I went to the bridge that day.

And I saw the kite you flew for me.

You know what?

You're too naive. That's why you were fooled by him.

He's always playing power games, and he's a master of manipulating minds.

You only see what he wants you to see.

Shut your mouth!

I'll kill you!

- Third Master. - Third Master.

- Third Master! - Get off me!

Third Master!

Get him out of here!

Yes.

I didn't do anything wrong.

Get up.

You can't blame me for what happened in the past.

I want to stay calm.

But...

I just can't.

Let me be alone.

Chen Jiu Heng! If you leave now, don't ever come back.

Is what you said true?

I'm not sure. I heard it from my fourth son.

He said that after his wife came back from the Chen family, she was like a different person.

She kept saying that Third Master Chen was going to avenge her father.

But there's no way he has evidence.

When I killed Yan Hong, I was more careful than...

Anyway, you should start preparing yourself.

This is a big deal. If it comes to light,

everything you've done will be for nothing.

Do you even know what you're saying?

If my husband falls, it won't do you any good.

Why are you pulling at me?

Third Master Chen knows about Yan Hong.

What?

Who?

The woman Prince Chengqing gave me back then.

Wasn't she thrown into the Tongfu River?

It's been so many years. How did they find out?

I have no idea. It's really frightening.

So...

Master, what should we do now?

Calm down. Back then, I wasn't the only one working with Prince Chengqing.

It doesn't matter even if they find something.

The Grand Secretary knows everything anyway.

If it comes to that, I swear I'll take everything down with me.

Guards!

Master.

Have our men keep an eye on Third Master Chen.

Whatever happens, come and tell me right away.

- Yes. - Also,

we suspected that Third Master Chen was in cahoots with the canal bandits.

Go and dig deeper on that. And that Chen Xuan Qing...

I remember he was brought home from Xuzhou Prefecture.

Maybe he's involved with those canal bandits.

Look into him thoroughly. Don't miss a thing.

We need solid evidence.

Yes.

♫ I once held a brush to paint the seasons ♫

♫ But I fell into the chasm of time ♫

♫ Every shade of light and dark became a bitter wine ♫

♫ Every inch of longing turned to sorrow ♫

♫ I have seen through all the rights and wrongs ♫

♫ Our old vows have turned to ash, like water spilled and flowing eastward ♫

♫ Tender companionship is to truly understand the freedom deep within your heart ♫

♫ One word, one sentence, hands held tight ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

Hurry, Mr. Jiang.

- Hurry up, please. - What's wrong with Third Master?

You didn't see it for yourself. Something's really off with him.

- What is it? - I can't put it into words.

You... You'll know when you see him.

- Let's go. - Hurry, hurry.

- Slow down. - Third Master, Mr. Jiang is here.

Third Master, you...

Third Master, as we expected, Wang Xuan Fan made his move.

Not only has he got men tailing you,

but he's also made contact with the bandits from Zhending Prefecture.

Go on.

As it stands, we can go ahead with the plan.

But if you want to take it slower...

No need. Just go with the plan.

Okay.

Third Master, Qing Pu came to see me.

What did she want with you?

She's hoping you'll go back to see Madam.

She said Madam's been waiting for you all day.

She hasn't been eating, drinking, or sleeping.

She'd never go on a hunger strike for me.

But you haven't gone back to take a look.

How... How would you know?

I know it's not my place to say this.

But this really isn't Madam's fault.

Madam's been trying her best to stay away from Young Master Xuan Qing lately.

But that Chen Xuan Qing keeps...

Keeps forcing her, right?

Yes.

Young Master, please...

please say something.

I'll... I'll get you some water.

I've written to the Yu family.

The engagement between you and Wan Xue is off.

I'm sending you outside the capital.

No, you can't...

You can't do this.

I'm the Third Place Scholar.

You can't exile me.

It was fortunate that I was there today.

With your extreme personality, you'd have ruined Jin Zhao's reputation.

The Chen family would've been disgraced.

I won't allow you to stay in the capital any longer.

Go and serve somewhere else.

If you can behave yourself and be a decent official,

maybe I'll still think something of you.

Third Uncle. Third Uncle!

I was wrong. I really get it now, Third Uncle.

Third Uncle.

I've studied for so many years.

I passed the Palace Examination.

I'm a compiler at the Imperial Academy.

And His Majesty thinks highly of me.

Third Uncle.

Third Uncle, you can't exile me.

Third Uncle.

Wang Xuan Fan is already looking into your birth father.

Leaving the capital is what's best for you.

Do as you will.

Young Master!

Young Master!

Young Master!

I really don't get Third Master.

He cares about Madam so much.

But he just won't bend.

Besides, this really isn't Madam's fault.

It's all because of Chen Xuan Qing. It's all in the past.

But he kept bringing it up again.

Do you think Third Master doesn't know that?

He just can't get over it himself.

What do you mean?

Think about it. For all these years,

Third Master has faced the court's danger and the world's cruelty.

He's really been through a lot.

But this is his first time falling for a woman.

And love happens to be the most complicated thing there is.

Third Master is proud and doesn't open up easily.

That's why he's tied up in knots.

I don't understand.

Just keep this in mind. If Third Master stays away for now,

Madam will have less to worry about.

After all, she has no idea about our plan.

It's been several days.

Why hasn't Brother-in-Law come back?

Can we not talk about this nonsense?

I heard you caught a chill a few days ago.

You still don't look good.

You should be resting at home.

Why did you have to drag yourself here?

There's something I need to end quickly.

It's better to be here than at home.

Sister Jin Zhao.

What on earth happened?

Why was the engagement suddenly called off?

Sit down.

What did Lord Yu tell you?

My father only said the engagement was off.

He didn't mention anything else.

I went to Brother Xuan Qing's place.

But he refused to see me.

Then my father found out and scolded me.

He said I'm not allowed to go and see Brother Xuan Qing again.

If you hadn't sent someone for me today,

my father wouldn't have let me leave the house.

I asked you to come today so we could clear this up face to face.

Do you still remember what Xuan Qing said that day at Lan Jie'er's house?

Third Master, your father, and I all thought it through.

We don't think you and Xuan Qing are a good match.

It's you.

You're the one Brother Xuan Qing likes, right?

Actually, I guessed it long ago.

That day, Brother Xuan Qing seemed to be talking to me,

but his eyes never left you.

I knew it.

He wasn't opening his heart to me.

He was using me to tell you how he felt.

That's why the engagement has to be called off.

Wan Xue, you should be with someone who knows you,

understands you, and truly loves you.

What's the point of saying this now?

I already told you.

I've had feelings for Brother Xuan Qing since I was a little girl.

I said I would marry him no matter what.

You're already married to Third Uncle.

Why did you have to bring this all out into the open?

Isn't it better for us to live our own lives?

You can't knowingly jump into a fiery pit when you are fully aware of the danger.

Do you still have feelings for Brother Xuan Qing?

Of course not.

Then could you talk to Third Uncle and tell him not to cancel the engagement?

No way.

Xuan Qing will be posted elsewhere, and he won't be coming back.

Forget him.

Are you willing to be with me?

When we face a problem, let's not rush to back down.

Maybe we can find a way to solve it together.

You said we'd face any problem together

and find a way to solve it.

But now?

I want to stay calm.

But...

Now, you're hiding and avoiding it.

I've got to steel myself and force your hand.

I'll see if you're really not going to turn back.

Take this to Chen Yi.

Tell him to give it to Third Master.

Miss, there's no need to go to this step.

Maybe we should wait just a bit longer.

I've already waited many days.

I'm done waiting.

He knows I'm not at fault.

But he's still giving me a hard time.

I'm not taking it anymore.

Yes.

Third Master.

- Is everything ready? - Yes, all ready.

Let's go.

By the way, Third Master, Qing Pu gave me this.

It's a letter for you from Madam.

- Madam? - Yes.

♫ I once held a brush to paint the seasons ♫

♫ But I fell into the chasm of time ♫

♫ Every shade of light and dark became a bitter wine ♫

♫ Every inch of longing turned to sorrow ♫

♫ I have seen through all the rights and wrongs ♫

♫ Our old vows have turned to ash, like water spilled and flowing eastward ♫

♫ Tender companionship is to truly understand the freedom deep within your heart ♫

♫ One word, one sentence, hands held tight ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

Eldest Miss is really something.

She's invited every cabinet member's wife here.

We don't have to worry about business now.

The business doesn't worry me. I'm worried about Elder Sister.

This tea smells wonderful.

This is the first pick of this year's Songluo tea,

and we used mountain spring water for it.

The paper pattern leaves room for adjustments.

Madam, you can just cut the fabric along the outer edge of the pattern.

Do you think I don't know how to cut it along with the pattern?

Well said. It's just a piece of fabric.

What's the big deal if it gets cut wrong?

What do you mean by that?

Are you saying I cut it wrong on purpose?

I...

We are performing this ritual of cutting today to emulate the Empress Dowager,

who encouraged the people across the realm to cultivate mulberry trees.

But if we waste too much fabric, that would be missing the point.

I have an idea. We don't have to throw away the ruined fabric.

We can have someone sew all the scraps together into patchwork clothes

and give them to the kids at the Charity Hall.

Your idea is really good.

Madam Chen, you're so clever.

We don't have to stress about it so much now.

If you ask me, Madam Chen's cleverness comes second.

What matters most is her big heart.

Had it been anyone else, with Second Uncle stripped of his position

and half the ancestral family's assets confiscated,

they would have cried themselves to death long ago.

But Madam Chen looks as if nothing ever happened.

She can even sit here and drink tea.

What's there for me to cry about?

Good point. Madam Chen, you're truly a woman who's been through a lot.

I heard that back when Madam Chen was a child, it was her destiny—

specifically, her destiny clashed with your father's official career.

I used to think it was all nonsense.

But think about it. It's true that your father...

got demoted and was sent away to Pingyang Prefecture.

And now your second uncle has been dismissed.

It makes one wonder if there is actually some truth to this matter of destiny.

Madam Chen, you must be careful.

Never mind about your father or your uncle,

but if Jiu Heng is implicated...

Why did you bring all this up all of a sudden?

I'm just joking.

It seems like Madam Wang is itching to start something today.

She's venting her anger.

The case about Gu De Yuan has landed over 30 officials in prison.

But Jiu Heng is completely in the clear.

Yet, the collusion

between Wang Xuan Fan and Prince Chengqing

is coming to light.

I heard they've found the family of that concubine who died suddenly.

Miss!

Miss!

What's wrong?

Third Master went to Yu Mountain today to inspect the Dingling Tomb.

He was attacked on the way.

Miss!

See? I was right.

What are you doing?

You...

If anything happens to my husband,

I'll hold you responsible and make you pay with your life.

Madam.

I'm so sorry. I failed to keep Third Master safe.

Please punish me.

Miss!

Mother, let's go back.

Let Sister‑in‑Law stay here with Third Brother.

Why are your hands so cold?

Third Master...

We left in a hurry, so Third Master only took me along.

Soon after we left the capital, we were attacked by assassins.

They outnumbered us.

And they had archers set up in the woods.

Do you have any idea who was behind it?

Yes. There is widespread debate among the officials.

Everyone is saying that Third Master got hold of incriminating evidence against Wang Xuan Fan,

and in a moment of desperation, Wang hired an assassin.

I didn't send anyone to kill Third Master Chen.

Master.

The Supreme Court Minister Wang Shen Zhi is here.

He says he wants to ask about the attack on Lord Chen Yan Yun.

Go and tell him I don't know who tried to kill Chen Jiu Heng,

but it was definitely not me.

Exactly. Does he have any evidence?

How dare he come here to interrogate us?

It sounds like he does.

I just got word.

One of the men we sent to follow Chen Yan Yun is missing.

You can leave now.

Yes.

What's with that look?

Tell me the truth. Was it you?

It really wasn't me.

Yes, I want Third Master Chen dead.

But that's against the rules.

One cabinet member killing another?

That's never happened before.

But rumor has it

you were scared Third Master Chen had proof of your collusion with Prince Chengqing,

so you were like a cornered dog

- and hired an assassin. - Who are you calling a dog?

I...

Wait, a rumor?

No. Someone is setting me up.

Yes, that must be it.

Someone is setting me up.

Who would dare set you up?

Third Master Chen!

I've asked around. An arrow really hit him.

And he's seriously injured.

Do you think it could be...

the Grand Secretary?

Impossible.

Absolutely impossible.

The Grand Secretary still needs me.

He'll definitely protect me.

Third Master Chen's tricks won't work.

There's no doubt about it.

What's with all the tears?

Don't worry.

I won't die.

How can I not worry?

You lost so much blood.

And you were unconscious for so long.

I've never seen you like this.

Don't you ever scare me like that again.

How are you feeling now?

I'm all right.

Then you should get some rest.

I won't disturb you.

Come back.

Sit down.

I don't want to sit.

Whatever you have to say, just say it.

Why are you so stubborn?

Because you made me angry.

You were the one who wanted a divorce.

What's there for you to be angry about?

Don't you know?

Chen Yan Yun, how can you even ask that?

I wanted a divorce because you ignored me and treated me so coldly.

You'd rather stay at Wenyuan Library than come home.

You're the one who wants to break up.

But you're trying to pin it all on me.

Is this how you cabinet members act?

No wonder the Dayan people are all suffering.

I didn't stay away on purpose.

I was just angry that you knew Chen Xuan Qing was out of line,

but...

but you didn't tell me.

Tell you?

Fine, tell me then.

If you were me, what would you say?

Just say it openly.

Tell me you had a past with Chen Xuan Qing.

No, I mean a connection.

Just say you had a connection with Chen Xuan Qing.

It started from your coming‑of‑age ceremony and ended before the spring exam.

It's all in the past.

But Chen Xuan Qing kept pestering you and...

You can't do this.

You're being unreasonable.

Would being reasonable help?

You already know everything about this.

Do I still need to reason with you?

Does it even make sense?

I know I shouldn't blame you.

I'm angry that you once pursued a man,

and that man wasn't me.

And I'm angry at myself for taking so long...

to realize that I love you.

♫ I ask the fleeting light if it has forgotten the moonlight of our first encounter ♫

♫ Year after year, I etch your likeness ♫

♫ Counting the distant stars, they cannot compare to the gentleness of your eyes ♫

♫ I finally witness the starlight river, reflecting the gaze of you and me ♫

♫ From dusk till dawn, I watch over you, gazing toward you ♫

♫ Together we cherish these beautiful moments, may our affection endure for eternity ♫

Where'd you pick up all this?

Grand Secretary Chen taught me himself.

What's wrong? Does it hurt again?

I'll go and get a physician.

Don't move. Let me hold you a little longer.

Third Master.

What is it?

The Supreme Court followed the clues we left

and tracked down the men Wang Xuan Fan sent to spy on us.

Then dismiss all the people watching Wang Xuan Fan's residence.

If they get caught, it'll backfire.

As for the rest, we'll wait and see.

Yes.

So, Wang Xuan Fan was really the one behind this attack?

Mix truth with lies so that people won't know...

what to believe.

Being so mysterious.

Go ahead and ask whatever you want to know.

What exactly happened with this assassination?

I knew I couldn't keep it from you.

So it really was fake?

Does it hurt again?

My dear lady, the assassination was fake,

but the wound is real.

You did this just to bring down Wang Xuan Fan?

There's no way Wang Xuan Fan and I can get along anymore.

He sent men to follow me and broke the rules.

So I just rode with it and put on an act.

If the assassination wasn't real, why did you hurt yourself so badly?

Well, who told you to send me the divorce agreement that morning?

You let yourself get so badly hurt just because of that?

I didn't want to go on living anymore.

What nonsense are you saying?

I wanted a divorce, not to be a widow.

It hurts. It hurts.

Does it hurt again?

It really hurts.

Do you still want to divorce me?

No.

Third Master, the Grand Secretary has arrived at the gate.

He isn't here to check on your injury, is he?

Definitely not.

He must be here to plead for Wang Xuan Fan.

Half an inch more to the side, and it would've pierced his heart.

Lord Chen is indeed blessed with great fortune and a charmed life.

It's a relief that it's not serious.

I'll go and get the prescription ready.

Come with me.

I'm fine. Teacher, please sit.

Imperial Physician Zhou is the best at treating trauma,

in the entire Imperial Medical Bureau.

Sorry to trouble you.

You're so badly hurt.

So I'll get straight to the point.

Wang Xuan Fan was really behind the assassination?

I heard all the people Wang Xuan Fan sent to follow me have been caught.

And they've all confessed.

What do you really know about the collusion between Wang Xuan Fang

and the late Prince Chengqing?

You know I wouldn't lie to you.

Actually, I know nothing.

When I said those words at court, I was just trying to bluff Elder Yuan.

I thought if I provoked him, he'd slip up.

As I expected, he sent assassins to kill me.

One cabinet member tried to kill another. That's appalling.

I didn't want to believe it at first.

But to bring down Fan Chuan, Elder Yuan replaced grain with bran

and ignored the lives of so many people in Pingyang Prefecture.

After that, nothing he does would surprise me anymore.

So you still can't let that go.

It happened for a reason.

You're being a little too small-minded, don't you think?

Teacher, this summer is longer than usual, and the floods are crazy.

The River Works Office reports that there are 23 breaches

in the river dikes along the lower reaches of the Huai River.

I know. What a mess.

Fifteen of those breaches were not caused by the flood being too strong

or the river changing course.

They happened because the work on the river embankments cut corners

and the wood used for flood control was all rotten.

Six of those places are being run by Wang Xuan Fan's proteges.

That Wang Xuan Fan...

has gone too far.

The other nine are all run by your proteges.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ❀ The Good and The Beauty Team ⚔ @Viki.com

"Starry Night" - Zhou Shen

♫ I once held a brush to paint the seasons ♫

♫ But I fell into the chasm of time ♫

♫ Every shade of light and dark became a bitter wine ♫

♫ Every inch of longing turned to sorrow ♫

♫ I've seen through the sunrise and sunset ♫

♫ I can only lament that light and shadow can not coexist ♫

♫ A single mistake casts old friends away like drifting seagulls ♫

♫ With each step we drift further, then one glance back ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

♫ With each step we drift further, then one glance back ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫